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Behind the cultural centre’s glazing, the building boasts generous amounts of Douglas fir in the structure and the ceiling.

Photo: Doublespace photography

Behind the cultural centre’s glazing, the building boasts generous amounts of Douglas fir in the structure and the ceiling.

Photo: Doublespace photography

Behind the cultural centre’s glazing, the building boasts generous amounts of Douglas fir in the structure and the ceiling.

Photo: Doublespace photography

Behind the cultural centre’s glazing, the building boasts generous amounts of Douglas fir in the structure and the ceiling.

Photo: Doublespace photography

Behind the cultural centre’s glazing, the building boasts generous amounts of Douglas fir in the structure and the ceiling.

Transparency attracts more visitors

National Art Centre
in Ottawa, Canada
by Diamond Schmitt Architects

From concrete bunker to modern wooden structure. The National Art Centre in Ottawa has been transformed from an inaccessible building for the cultural elite into a must-visit venue for the whole city. When the centre was built in the 1960s, the entrance was positioned away from the city and it could only be reached by car, which excluded many people.

But today’s audiences demand a more accessible hall that welcomes everyone. And so the centre has been furnished with an extension whose inviting and open design stands in stark contrast to the previous building, with the transparent shell now enhancing the brutalist concrete architecture.

The new prefabricated structure puts its untreated Douglas fir clearly on view in the structural frame and the ceiling cassettes. This combines with large expanses of glass that admit large amounts of lovely light and allow curious by-passers to enjoy the architecture. Last year the extension, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, won a North American Wood Design Award.

Swedish Wood’s aim is to increase the size and value of the market for Swedish wood and wood products in construction, interior design and packaging. Through inspiration, information and education, we promote wood as a competitive, renewable, versatile and natural material.
Swedish Wood represents the Swedish sawmill industry and is part of the Swedish Forest Industries Federation.